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Mystic El Cap
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Mystic El Cap

by Jared Atencio

Gallery: LandscapePosted April 4, 2011174 views12 comments
I was watching the forecast the week of March 22 for Yosemite Valley, and there was also a post in the CANP forum discussing conditions. As the weekend neared, the forecast would change literally by the hour, so I was torn between heading up to the park or heading toward Death Valley/Eastern Sierras for the weekend. The park finally reopened under restricted hours, and the temp was right on the verge of rain/snow, so I decided to take a chance and try to catch the tail end of the storm.

On the way into the park, HWY 140 looked like a tornado had ripped through the canyon. Countless downed trees lined the road and there looked to be about 5 separate mudslides (if not more). This shot was taken on Sat. March 26, during a break in the sleet that was coming down. It was my first experience in the park with snow and my second experience shooting in the park in general, so I was still learning the lay of the land, and I hadn't done too much research so was doing lots of driving/hiking and scouting for comps. Although my goal is to strive for unique comps of places, especially those as well shot as Yosemite, I also try not to get wrapped up in that aspect of shooting, so this shot seemed "unique" to me as I had to "post-hole" my way through thigh deep snow and wade in ankle deep water to get this vantage point, then wait for a break in the clouds. I was inspired to take this shot when the conditions unfolded, so totally unique or not, this is what I came away with. I already CAN'T WAIT for the snow to return next year and can hopefully get into the park earlier in the winter season.

I just noticed there was more discussion to the Yosemite post in the forum, so here's a little follow up in case people were curious how things panned out.
Sat March 26th was great-snow/sleet but no wind and nice atmosphere all around the park
Sun March 27th had a great sunrise as clouds began to build, then mostly overcast all day with rain which pretty much stripped the trees of any residual snow-clouded in for sunset
Monday March 28-bluebird and all snow was gone from the tree branches but water was gushing!

Any comments on this photo and how it can be improved are always welcome and appreciated-thanks for looking
:toast:

Comments

12 comments
Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on April 4, 2011 at 7:01 PM
Very, very nice, Jared! This wonderfully balanced. I think I'd like to see a tad more contrast in the upper half; the whites a re fine, but the midtones could use some separation. I really like the reflection and the curve of of snow in the foreground.

From the width of the Merced, I'd think we're going to have a big spring runoff. Let's hope the Sierra doesn't warm up too quickly!

Good job!

--P
Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments
Comment posted by Danny Laureys on April 4, 2011 at 8:47 PM
Very nice indeed!!! :toast: :toast:
Registered on January 5, 2008, 590 Posts, 1261 Comments
Comment posted by Art Escobado on April 4, 2011 at 9:33 PM
Looking at Yosemite shots never gets old. Goshdammit I love that place and I'm glad you made it out there. When you going back? Sweet shot! :toast: Post more please!!
Registered on January 7, 2007, 0 Posts, 775 Comments
Comment posted by Jared Atencio on April 5, 2011 at 6:57 AM
Thanks for the feedback guys!

Nice suggestion Preston-this was a quick conversion but I think more separation would help before I print this.

Art-you gotta head out here next season for a part deux! Thanks for the feedback and support prior to!
Registered on June 23, 2009, 21 Posts, 422 Comments
Comment posted by Steve Sieren on April 5, 2011 at 11:48 AM
I like the atmospherics in the background Jared.
Registered on January 2, 2008, 360 Posts, 5321 Comments
Comment posted by Harley Goldman on April 6, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Real nice take on a Yosemite icon, Jared. Yosemite in winter sure is a magical place (even more than the usual magic).
Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments
Comment posted by Robert Dayton on April 7, 2011 at 9:59 AM
A wonderful B&W rendition, Jared! The cloud cover on El Cap is a nice touch.
Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments
Comment posted by Craig Myers on April 8, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Fine capture and conversion. The mist really adds to the composition. I can't believe how perfectly situated it is to allow for the foreground trees to stand out and to reveal El Cap behind it.
Registered on September 1, 2008, 85 Posts, 757 Comments
Comment posted by Michael R Reynolds on April 21, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Jared,
Very nice indeed. As others have commented, the clouds/fog add nicely to the comp. Isn't Yosemite with snow great! Keep up the good work. Best Regards.
Registered on February 26, 2008, 54 Posts, 812 Comments
Comment posted by Cory Freeman on April 25, 2011 at 8:16 PM
Really nice b&w jared! A classic shot done very nicely.
Registered on December 16, 2003, 107 Posts, 1341 Comments
Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on May 2, 2011 at 2:12 PM
Awesome shot Jared. I am loving the foreground composition emphasizing form and the incredible conditions.

Michael
Registered on June 18, 2009, 86 Posts, 2317 Comments
Comment posted by Lucy Aron on May 9, 2011 at 2:20 PM
Good vertical take. I like the softer less contrasty upper part and how it complements the foreground.


lucy
Registered on February 25, 2011, 189 Posts, 1160 Comments